With the unconventional, undulating forms of his buildings?and the fact that his path to architectural success included a stint working for Zaha Hadid?Ma Yansong is often miscategorized as an architect of the latter generation of Deconstructivists, interested only in futuristic forms that push the boundaries of technology for the sake of innovation as an end in itself. But in fact Ma?s designs, especially those in his home country of China, are deeply rooted in nature and tradition, as he explains in the latest interview from Vladimir Belogolovsky?s ?City of Ideas? series.

Huangshan Mountain Village. Image © Hufton + Crow

With the unconventional, undulating forms of his buildings?and the fact that his path to architectural success included a stint working for Zaha Hadid?Ma Yansong is often miscategorized as an architect of the latter generation of Deconstructivists, interested only in futuristic forms that push the boundaries of technology for the sake of innovation as an end in itself. But in fact Ma?s designs, especially those in his home country of China, are deeply rooted in nature and tradition, as he explains in the latest interview from Vladimir Belogolovsky?s ?City of Ideas? series.Vladimir Belogolovsky: If someone wants to understand what your work is about, what project would you show and what would you say about it"Ma Yansong: To tell you the truth, I don?t mind if people don?t understand my work or who I am. [Laughs.] It is hard to choose bec...